The Student Government Association and the Office of Sustainability kicked off the beginning of Earth Week today with a planting party in the community garden located behind the Office of Sustainability house at 503 Regents Ave.

Henderson graduate student Beth McGrew, coordinator of the community garden, said one of the goals is to garden to help foster a community through sustainability. Fruits and vegetables can be cultivated in the garden as well as other plants.  

“It’s suppose to serve food needs and to strength our connection with our food,” McGrew said.

The garden is open to all WKU students, faculty and staff.  McGrew said there is the possibility that the garden will be open to the Bowling Green community.

“I think if we can accommodate that, we’re definitely open to that,” McGrew said.

The garden also contains a garden shed made from repurposed wood pallets and a hugelkultur, a raised garden bed composed of natural material, such as logs.

Keyana Boka, president of SGA, said she was happy her organization was able to support the garden.

“There’s just a lot of potential for what this garden can be,” Boka said.

SGA started a similar garden near the Downing Student Union before the renovation. The garden was removed the renovation started. Boka said the new community garden is an improvement. 

“This is so much bigger and bolder…,” Boka said.

McGrew although there will be less activity, the garden will remain open in the winter months because some plants are able to grow in a cold climate.

Elizabethtown senior Elizabeth Richter said sustainability is important to her because she wants to preserve the Earth for future generations, including her 10 grandchildren.

“I want them to be able to stay out in the Sun without being afraid of getting sunburn,” Richter said. “I want them to be able to dangle their feet in the creek without fear of toxic waste poisoning their systems. And I want them to know that they are in charge of the Earth. It’s their responsibility to take care of it.”

Other events related to Earth Week will be held through the week, including an Earth Day festival at Centennial Mall on Tuesday.